This whole subject is quite complex isn't it? I watched a program on the Catholic Church and priests, and the presenter after talking to many priests felt that in America at least, around 40% of priests were gay. Frankly, I don't think it matters one way or another if a priest is gay, straight, male, female, married or single. I mean a thousand years or so ago, I believe it was reasonably common for priests to marry!
Celibacy ought to be an individual choice, not forced on people. Honestly, I think married priests could understand the day to day life problems facing their flock a bit better.
As for the sexual abuse issues...that's a complex one. Again, this American program felt only about 5% of priests were sexual predators, about the same as the lay community. So, I suspect that sexual misbehaviour is a state of mind with some people and has nothing to do with occupations.
Plus I agree with updating the Church, bringing it into the 21st Century and they're be a lot more people going back. There is a small Catholic church at the end of my street, and I don't think anyone under 60 attends, and the church is not full by any means. Sad, really.
no subject
Celibacy ought to be an individual choice, not forced on people. Honestly, I think married priests could understand the day to day life problems facing their flock a bit better.
As for the sexual abuse issues...that's a complex one. Again, this American program felt only about 5% of priests were sexual predators, about the same as the lay community. So, I suspect that sexual misbehaviour is a state of mind with some people and has nothing to do with occupations.
Plus I agree with updating the Church, bringing it into the 21st Century and they're be a lot more people going back. There is a small Catholic church at the end of my street, and I don't think anyone under 60 attends, and the church is not full by any means. Sad, really.